When Driving in Winter: Snow Means Slow

Motorists must drive according to road conditions � that�s the message of Snow Means Slow, the province�s annual winter safe-driving campaign.

The Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Transportation and Works, launched Snow Means Slow today, in conjunction with National Safe Driving Week.

�Weather conditions in Newfoundland and Labrador are unpredictable, to say the least. This is even more pronounced in winter, so drivers must prepare for unsafe conditions at all times,� said Minister Hickey.

�Our professionals at the Department of Transportation and Works do their utmost to inspect roads to ensure they are safe but conditions may change quicker than they can be addressed by our crews. Motorists can do their part by slowing down, wearing a seatbelt, ensuring they have proper tires and being aware of black ice conditions.�

The Snow Means Slow campaign runs throughout December and into the new year, includes contact information for road conditions and encourages motorists to visit the government web site at //www.gov.nl.ca/wst for live camera pictures of highways in their region.

According to a 2004 Transport Canada report, approximately 80-90 per cent of vehicle collisions are caused by driver error (such as excessive speed). Therefore, Minister Hickey says motorists must take responsibility behind the wheel, especially this time of year.

�The posted speed limits are for ideal conditions only. Winter weather means adjusting our schedules to anticipate a slower journey but a safe one nonetheless. The risks of unsafe driving are simply not worth it.�

Government invests approximately $45 million annually on snow and ice control and has committed $50 million over the next five years to purchase new snow clearing equipment.

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Media contact:
David Salter
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 691-3577
davidsalter@gov.nl.ca